Ultralow noise mode-locked laser and RF sinewave source

Abstract

Systems, devices and methods of generating both a precision electrical timing signal as well as a precision optical timing signal. A novel, modified opto-electronic loop oscillator is used to drive a harmonic mode-locked laser. A novel opto-electronic loop has a larger “Q” factor by increasing the electrical loop oscillating frequency ω0 by using a beat note created by the selection of two optical longitudinal modes from the mode-locked laser. The beat note is detected and divided down to drive a modulator that mode-locks the laser. The frequency division stage also reduces the noise.

Description

[0001]This invention claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 534,435 filed Jan. 6, 2004.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to generating timing signals and, more specifically, in particular to methods, devices and system for using opto-electronic oscillators for the generation of precision timing signals in laser type sources for applications such as computer systems, satellite and navigation systems, and guidance and control systems.BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART[0003]Electronic oscillators used to generate precision timing signals are pervasive in virtually every application of electronic devices, instruments, and systems. Despite widespread use, electronic oscillators are relatively noisy and lack adequate stability for applications that require very high stability and spectral purity.[0004]Additionally, the prior art oscillators also has problems such as limited “quality factor” or Q that are not overcome.[0005]Opto-electronic osci...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]A secondary objective of the present invention is to provide methods, devices and systems for generating a precise optical timing signal that does not require a separate pumping laser or microwave source.

[0010]A third objective of the present invention is to provide a self-starting mode-locked laser opto-electronic oscillator for generating precise optical and electrical timing signals.

[0013]Preferred embodiments of the invention demonstrate the operation of an opto-electronic loop oscillator (OEO) that can use the longitudinal modes of an approximately 12.5 GHz harmonically mode-locked laser. Key attributes of the OEO are that it can generate high quality microwave and optical timing signals with low noise in contrast to conventional frequency synthesizers that require a frequency source and multiplication.

[0015]The method can further include the steps of suppressing the supermode noise of the harmonically mode-locked laser source, filtering the divided electrical beat pulses, and providing a Fabry-Perot Etalon as the filter.

[0022]The method can include suppressing the supermode noise of the harmonically mode-locked laser source, filtering the divided electrical beat pulses, and providing a Fabry-Perot Etalon as the filter.

Problems solved by technology

Despite widespread use, electronic oscillators are relatively noisy and lack adequate stability for applications that require very high stability and spectral purity.

Additionally, the prior art oscillators also has problems such as limited “quality factor” or Q that are not overcome.

Opto-electronic oscillators can convert light energy into stable and spectrally pure microwave signals, but fail to overcome all the problems of the prior art.

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